SEAMEO CECCEP held in-depth discussions on March 25-26 2024 with partners regarding the study preparation and program development to strengthen the ECCE to Primary School transition through parenting programs. This activity was attended by all SEAMEO CECCEP staff at the Vasaka Maison Bandung Hotel. Director SEAMEO CECCEP, Prof. Vina Adriany, opened the activity and said that this activity was a step to analyze what parents need in preparing their children to enter elementary school.
By understanding parents' perceptions, it is hoped that programs that can increase parental involvement in the enjoyable transition period from ECCE to Primary school and help children successfully adapt to the new environment can be developed. One of the speakers in this activity was Mrs. Nurman Siagan, from the Directorate of Early Childhood Education. She conveyed about the transition from ECCE to Primary School and the misconceptions faced by teachers. Nurman explained that the mistake about the “calistung” test for entering elementary school is not effective as a requirement for entering elementary school. Therefore, it is important to abolish the Calistung test. The practice of reading, writing and arithmetic tests when prospective students are entering elementary school is something that is not in line with the regulations issued by the government. In Government Regulation Number 17 of 2010 article 69 paragraph 5 it is stated that accepting new students at primary school level, especially grade 1, is not permitted.
Ms. Nurman also explained that there are 6 important foundations that children must have during the transition from ECCE to Primary School, namely religious values and character, social and language skills for interaction, emotional maturity for activities in the learning environment, cognitive maturity for carrying out learning activities, development of motor skills and self-care to participate in the learning environment independently, and interpret learning as fun and positive.
In the second session Dr. Tina Dahlan, Psychology at the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) said things related to children's readiness to enter elementary school. Dr, Tina explained that the dimensions of school readiness include 3 things, namely ready children, ready school, ready families, and the role of the community. Ready Children focuses on learning and development. Ready school focuses on the school environment, including practices that encourage and support smooth transitions and encourage learning for children. Meanwhile, ready families focus on the attitudes and involvement of parents and parenting in their children's early learning, development and transition to school.
Family readiness is important, including supportive parenting patterns and a stimulating home environment. Parents should have educational goals and beliefs, attitudes and commitments. The availability of a learning environment at home and the involvement of parents in children's learning activities. And it is important to build supportive and responsive relationships within the family.
Dr Tina also emphasized that parents can contribute to the ECCE to Primary School transition if they know their child's educational goals. Make the relationship between parents and children something happy and longed for. As well as involving children in daily activities at home by scaffolding. Providing a variety of stimuli for children, including storytelling and reading aloud to children.
In conclusion, this discussion highlights the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and educational institutions in supporting a smooth transition from ECCE to Primary School. Through a deep understanding of children's needs and the role of parents, it is hoped that effective programs can be developed to help children face this transition period well.
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